We all love Olive Garden's creamy chicken gnocchi soup but sometimes spinach just isn't everyone's cup of tea. That's why we've created this delicious spinach-free version that captures all the comfort and flavors of the healthy chicken gnocchi soup recipes original restaurant favorite.
Our homemade recipe delivers the same rich and satisfying experience with tender potato gnocchi floating in a velvety cream sauce alongside perfectly seasoned chunks of chicken. By skipping the spinach we've made this soup more appealing to picky eaters while maintaining its hearty Italian-American charm. Plus you'll still get all those familiar aromatic flavors from the carrots celery and garlic that make this soup so irresistible.
What Makes Olive Garden's Chicken Gnocchi Soup Special
Olive Garden's Chicken Gnocchi Soup combines three distinct elements that create its signature taste: a velvety cream base, pillowy potato gnocchi dumplings and perfectly seasoned chicken pieces.
The cream base incorporates a blend of heavy cream, chicken broth and Italian seasonings that create a rich, smooth texture. This foundation carries the flavors throughout the soup while maintaining its signature consistency.
The gnocchi in this soup stands out for its texture and preparation:
- Made from authentic Italian potato dumplingsCooked to achieve a tender yet firm biteSized perfectly to complement each spoonfulAbsorbs the cream sauce while retaining shape
The chicken preparation elevates the soup's profile:
- Diced into uniform, bite-sized piecesSeasoned with Italian herbs and spicesSautéed to lock in moistureIntegrated seamlessly into the cream base
Key aromatics enhance the flavor profile:
- Sautéed onions provide sweetnessMinced garlic adds depthShredded carrots offer natural sweetnessDiced celery contributes subtle earthiness
- Thick enough to coat the back of a spoonMaintains temperature throughout servingAchieves perfect balance between broth and ingredientsCreates a satisfying mouthfeel with each bite
Essential Ingredients for Copycat Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Creating an Olive Garden-style chicken gnocchi soup without spinach requires specific ingredients to achieve the signature creamy texture and rich flavor profile. Here's a detailed breakdown of the essential components.
Base Ingredients and Seasonings
The foundation of this soup starts with 2-4 tablespoons of butter or olive oil for sautéing. The aromatic base includes:
- 1 finely chopped white onion1/2 cup diced celery2-3 minced garlic cloves1/4 cup all-purpose flour for thickening4-6 cups low-sodium chicken broth1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-halfDried thymeDried parsley flakesGround nutmeg
Chicken and Gnocchi Selection
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, diced into 1/2-inch cubes16 ounces potato gnocchi, preferably fresh or vacuum-sealedHigh-quality store-bought gnocchi offers conveniencePre-cooked rotisserie chicken serves as a time-saving alternativeItalian seasoning blend enhances the chicken's flavorSalt and black pepper for proper seasoning
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
This Olive Garden copycat chicken gnocchi soup comes together in three main stages, focusing on building layers of flavor without spinach. Here's how to recreate this creamy restaurant favorite at home.
Creating the Creamy Base
Melt 4 tablespoons butter in a large Dutch oven over medium heatAdd diced onion, celery, shredded carrots & cook 5 minutes until softenedStir in 3 minced garlic cloves & cook 1 minuteSprinkle ¼ cup flour into the pot & cook 2 minutes until goldenPour in 2 cups half-and-half & 4 cups chicken broth gradually while stirringBring to a gentle boil then reduce to simmerAdding Chicken and Vegetables
Cut 1 pound chicken breast into ½-inch cubesSeason chicken with Italian seasoning salt & pepperAdd seasoned chicken to the simmering brothCook 8-10 minutes until chicken reaches 165°FAdd extra diced carrots & celery for textureLet vegetables soften in the broth 5 minutesIncorporating the Gnocchi
Add 16 ounces potato gnocchi to the simmering soupCook 3-4 minutes until gnocchi float to surfaceTest gnocchi tenderness with a forkAdjust seasoning with salt & pepperReduce heat to low & let soup thicken 5 minutesStir occasionally to prevent gnocchi from stickingEach step builds essential flavors ensuring a rich creamy texture without relying on spinach for bulk or color. The gnocchi absorbs the seasoned broth creating tender pillowy bites throughout the soup.
Tips for Achieving Restaurant-Quality Texture
The texture of Olive Garden's signature Chicken Gnocchi Soup starts with a perfect roux-based olive garden gnocchi soup no chicken cream sauce. Here's how to achieve that silky-smooth consistency:
Base Preparation Techniques
- Create a roux using equal parts butter and all-purpose flourCook the roux for 60 seconds to eliminate raw flour tasteIncorporate half-and-half gradually while whisking continuouslyAdd low-sodium chicken broth in small increments to prevent lumps
Thickness Control Methods
- Maintain a 1:1 ratio of half-and-half to chicken brothSimmer at medium-low heat to allow natural thickeningAvoid rapid boiling which can break down the cream sauceStir occasionally to prevent the bottom from scorching
Gnocchi Integration
- Add gnocchi to the simmering broth one at a timeCook until gnocchi float to the surface (3-4 minutes)Test one gnocchi for proper tenderness before servingLet the soup rest for 5 minutes to reach optimal thickness
Temperature Management
- Keep heat steady at medium-low throughout cookingRemove from heat when desired consistency is reachedStir periodically during the resting phaseAllow soup to cool slightly before serving for best texture
This focused approach to texture management creates a velvety soup base that clings perfectly to each ingredient while maintaining a restaurant-quality consistency throughout.
Storage and Reheating Guidelines
Refrigerator Storage
Proper storage ensures this Olive Garden-style chicken gnocchi soup maintains its creamy texture. Cool the soup to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Store the container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing Instructions
Here's how to freeze the soup for longer storage:
- Place cooled soup in freezer-safe containersLeave 1 inch of space at the top for expansionLabel containers with date and contentsStore in freezer for up to 3 months
Reheating Methods
The soup reheats perfectly using these techniques:
Stovetop Method:
- Pour soup into a saucepanHeat on medium-low settingStir occasionally to prevent stickingCook until temperature reaches 165°F (74°C)
- Transfer soup to microwave-safe bowlHeat in 30-second intervalsStir between intervalsHeat for approximately 2 minutes total
Storage Tips
- Use glass or BPA-free plastic containersDivide soup into individual portions before storingKeep gnocchi separate when freezing to maintain textureThaw frozen soup overnight in refrigerator before reheating
Conclusion
Our spinach-free version of Olive Garden's chicken gnocchi soup brings all the comfort and flavor you'd expect from this beloved dish. We've shown you how to create a rich creamy base perfectly balanced with tender chicken and pillowy gnocchi that'll satisfy even the pickiest eaters.
Whether you're making it fresh for dinner or storing it for later we know you'll love this adaptation of the classic recipe. With our detailed instructions and tips you can now recreate this restaurant favorite right in your own kitchen anytime the craving strikes.
Remember it's all about building those layers of flavor and achieving that perfect creamy consistency. Now it's time to grab your pot and start cooking!